Augmented reality guidance that generates guidance markers

ABSTRACT

Augmented reality guidance for guiding a user through an environment using an eyewear device. The eyewear device includes a display system and a position detection system. A user is guided though an environment by monitoring a current position of the eyewear device within the environment, identifying marker positions within a threshold of the current position, the marker positions defined with respect to the environment and associated with guidance markers, registering the marker positions, generating overlay image including the guidance markers, and presenting the overlay image on a display of the eyewear device.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Examples set forth in the present disclosure relate to the field ofaugmented reality (AR) and wearable mobile devices such as eyeweardevices. More particularly, but not by way of limitation, the presentdisclosure describes augmented reality guidance of a user through anenvironment.

BACKGROUND

Many types of computers and electronic devices available today, such asmobile devices (e.g., smartphones, tablets, and laptops), handhelddevices, and wearable devices (e.g., smart glasses, digital eyewear,headwear, headgear, and head-mounted displays), include a variety ofcameras, sensors, wireless transceivers, input systems (e.g.,touch-sensitive surfaces, pointers), peripheral devices, displays, andgraphical user interfaces (GUIs) through which a user can interact withdisplayed content.

Augmented reality (AR) combines real objects in a physical environmentwith virtual objects and displays the combination to a user. Thecombined display gives the impression that the virtual objects areauthentically present in the environment, especially when the virtualobjects appear and behave like the real objects.

Advanced AR technologies, such as computer vision and object tracking,may be used to create a perceptually enriched and immersive experience.Computer vision algorithms extract three-dimensional data about thephysical world from the data captured in digital images or video. Objecttracking algorithms may be used to detect an object in a digital imageor video and track its movement.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Features of the various examples described will be readily understoodfrom the following detailed description, in which reference is made tothe figures. A reference numeral is used with each element in thedescription and throughout the several views of the drawing. When aplurality of similar elements is present, a single reference numeral maybe assigned to like elements, with an added lower-case letter referringto a specific element.

The various elements shown in the figures are not drawn to scale unlessotherwise indicated. The dimensions of the various elements may beenlarged or reduced in the interest of clarity. The several figuresdepict one or more implementations and are presented by way of exampleonly and should not be construed as limiting. Included in the drawingare the following figures:

FIG. 1A is a side view (right) of an example hardware configuration ofan eyewear device suitable for use in an augmented reality productionsystem;

FIG. 1B is a perspective, partly sectional view of a right corner of theeyewear device of FIG. 1A depicting a right visible-light camera, and acircuit board;

FIG. 1C is a side view (left) of an example hardware configuration ofthe eyewear device of FIG. 1A, which shows a left visible-light camera;

FIG. 1D is a perspective, partly sectional view of a left corner of theeyewear device of FIG. 1C depicting the left visible-light camera, and acircuit board;

FIGS. 2A and 2B are rear views of example hardware configurations of aneyewear device utilized in the augmented reality production system;

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic depiction of a three-dimensional scene, a leftraw image captured by a left visible-light camera, and a right raw imagecaptured by a right visible-light camera;

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of an example augmented realityproduction system including a wearable device (e.g., an eyewear device)and a server system connected via various networks;

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic representation of an example hardwareconfiguration for a mobile device of the augmented reality productionsystem of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of a user in an example environmentfor use in describing simultaneous localization and mapping;

FIG. 7 is a flow chart listing steps in an example method of displayingvirtual objects in a physical environment;

FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, and 8E are flow charts including steps of examplea virtual guidance augmented reality experience; and

FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D, 9E, and 9F are perspective illustrations of avirtual guidance augmented reality experience directing a user to alocation within an environment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various implementations and details are described with reference toexamples including a system for providing an augmented reality guidanceexperience with an eyewear device including a position detection systemand a display system. The eyewear device monitors a current position ofthe eyewear device within an environment and registers marker positionswithin a predefined distance of the eyewear device. The eyewear devicegenerates and presents overlay images including guidance markers fordisplay at the registered marker positions. This enables the eyeweardevice to guide a user through an environment to physical destinationswithin the environment.

The following detailed description includes systems, methods,techniques, instruction sequences, and computing machine programproducts illustrative of examples set forth in the disclosure. Numerousdetails and examples are included for the purpose of providing athorough understanding of the disclosed subject matter and its relevantteachings. Those skilled in the relevant art, however, may understandhow to apply the relevant teachings without such details. Aspects of thedisclosed subject matter are not limited to the specific devices,systems, and method described because the relevant teachings can beapplied or practice in a variety of ways. The terminology andnomenclature used herein is for the purpose of describing particularaspects only and is not intended to be limiting. In general, well-knowninstruction instances, protocols, structures, and techniques are notnecessarily shown in detail.

The terms “coupled” or “connected” as used herein refer to any logical,optical, physical, or electrical connection, including a link or thelike by which the electrical or magnetic signals produced or supplied byone system element are imparted to another coupled or connected systemelement. Unless described otherwise, coupled or connected elements ordevices are not necessarily directly connected to one another and may beseparated by intermediate components, elements, or communication media,one or more of which may modify, manipulate, or carry the electricalsignals. The term “on” means directly supported by an element orindirectly supported by the element through another element that isintegrated into or supported by the element.

The term “proximal” is used to describe an item or part of an item thatis situated near, adjacent, or next to an object or person; or that iscloser relative to other parts of the item, which may be described as“distal.” For example, the end of an item nearest an object may bereferred to as the proximal end, whereas the generally opposing end maybe referred to as the distal end.

The orientations of the eyewear device, other mobile devices, associatedcomponents and any other devices incorporating a camera, an inertialmeasurement unit, or both such as shown in any of the drawings, aregiven by way of example only, for illustration and discussion purposes.In operation, the eyewear device may be oriented in any other directionsuitable to the particular application of the eyewear device; forexample, up, down, sideways, or any other orientation. Also, to theextent used herein, any directional term, such as front, rear, inward,outward, toward, left, right, lateral, longitudinal, up, down, upper,lower, top, bottom, side, horizontal, vertical, and diagonal are used byway of example only, and are not limiting as to the direction ororientation of any camera or inertial measurement unit as constructed oras otherwise described herein.

Additional objects, advantages and novel features of the examples willbe set forth in part in the following description, and in part willbecome apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of thefollowing and the accompanying drawings or may be learned by productionor operation of the examples. The objects and advantages of the presentsubject matter may be realized and attained by means of themethodologies, instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointedout in the appended claims.

Reference now is made in detail to the examples illustrated in theaccompanying drawings and discussed below.

FIG. 1A is a side view (right) of an example hardware configuration ofan eyewear device 100 which includes a touch-sensitive input device ortouchpad 181. As shown, the touchpad 181 may have a boundary that issubtle and not easily seen; alternatively, the boundary may be plainlyvisible or include a raised or otherwise tactile edge that providesfeedback to the user about the location and boundary of the touchpad181. In other implementations, the eyewear device 100 may include atouchpad on the left side.

The surface of the touchpad 181 is configured to detect finger touches,taps, and gestures (e.g., moving touches) for use with a GUI displayedby the eyewear device, on an image display, to allow the user tonavigate through and select menu options in an intuitive manner, whichenhances and simplifies the user experience.

Detection of finger inputs on the touchpad 181 can enable severalfunctions. For example, touching anywhere on the touchpad 181 may causethe GUI to display or highlight an item on the image display, which maybe projected onto at least one of the optical assemblies 180A, 180B.Double tapping on the touchpad 181 may select an item or icon. Slidingor swiping a finger in a particular direction (e.g., from front to back,back to front, up to down, or down to) may cause the items or icons toslide or scroll in a particular direction; for example, to move to anext item, icon, video, image, page, or slide. Sliding the finger inanother direction may slide or scroll in the opposite direction; forexample, to move to a previous item, icon, video, image, page, or slide.The touchpad 181 can be virtually anywhere on the eyewear device 100.

In one example, an identified finger gesture of a single tap on thetouchpad 181, initiates selection or pressing of a graphical userinterface element in the image presented on the image display of theoptical assembly 180A, 180B. An adjustment to the image presented on theimage display of the optical assembly 180A, 180B based on the identifiedfinger gesture can be a primary action which selects or submits thegraphical user interface element on the image display of the opticalassembly 180A, 180B for further display or execution.

As shown, the eyewear device 100 includes a right visible-light camera114B. As further described herein, two cameras 114A, 114B capture imageinformation for a scene from two separate viewpoints. The two capturedimages may be used to project a three-dimensional display onto an imagedisplay for viewing with 3D glasses.

The eyewear device 100 includes a right optical assembly 180B with animage display to present images, such as depth images. As shown in FIGS.1A and 1B, the eyewear device 100 includes the right visible-lightcamera 114B. The eyewear device 100 can include multiple visible-lightcameras 114A, 114B that form a passive type of three-dimensional camera,such as stereo camera, of which the right visible-light camera 114B islocated on a right corner 110B. As shown in FIGS. 1C-D, the eyeweardevice 100 also includes a left visible-light camera 114A.

Left and right visible-light cameras 114A, 114B are sensitive to thevisible-light range wavelength. Each of the visible-light cameras 114A,114B have a different frontward facing field of view which areoverlapping to enable generation of three-dimensional depth images, forexample, right visible-light camera 114B depicts a right field of view111B. Generally, a “field of view” is the part of the scene that isvisible through the camera at a particular position and orientation inspace. The fields of view 111A and 111B have an overlapping field ofview 304 (FIG. 3). Objects or object features outside the field of view111A, 111B when the visible-light camera captures the image are notrecorded in a raw image (e.g., photograph or picture). The field of viewdescribes an angle range or extent, which the image sensor of thevisible-light camera 114A, 114B picks up electromagnetic radiation of agiven scene in a captured image of the given scene. Field of view can beexpressed as the angular size of the view cone; i.e., an angle of view.The angle of view can be measured horizontally, vertically, ordiagonally.

In an example, visible-light cameras 114A, 114B have a field of viewwith an angle of view between 40° to 110°, for example approximately100°, and have a resolution of 480×480 pixels or greater. The “angle ofcoverage” describes the angle range that a lens of visible-light cameras114A, 114B or infrared camera 410 (see FIG. 4) can effectively image.Typically, the camera lens produces an image circle that is large enoughto cover the film or sensor of the camera completely, possibly includingsome vignetting (e.g., a darkening of the image toward the edges whencompared to the center). If the angle of coverage of the camera lensdoes not fill the sensor, the image circle will be visible, typicallywith strong vignetting toward the edge, and the effective angle of viewwill be limited to the angle of coverage.

Examples of such visible-light cameras 114A, 114B include ahigh-resolution complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) imagesensor and a digital VGA camera (video graphics array) capable ofresolutions of 640p (e.g., 640×480 pixels for a total of 0.3megapixels), 720p, or 1080p. Other examples of visible-light cameras114A, 114B that can capture high-definition (HD) still images and storethem at a resolution of 1642 by 1642 pixels (or greater); or recordhigh-definition video at a high frame rate (e.g., thirty to sixty framesper second or more) and store the recording at a resolution of 1216 by1216 pixels (or greater).

The eyewear device 100 may capture image sensor data from thevisible-light cameras 114A, 114B along with geolocation data, digitizedby an image processor, for storage in a memory. The visible-lightcameras 114A, 114B capture respective left and right raw images in thetwo-dimensional space domain that comprise a matrix of pixels on atwo-dimensional coordinate system that includes an X-axis for horizontalposition and a Y-axis for vertical position. Each pixel includes a colorattribute value (e.g., a red pixel light value, a green pixel lightvalue, or a blue pixel light value); and a position attribute (e.g., anX-axis coordinate and a Y-axis coordinate).

In order to capture stereo images for later display as athree-dimensional projection, the image processor 412 (shown in FIG. 4)may be coupled to the visible-light cameras 114A, 114B to receive andstore the visual image information. The image processor 412, or anotherprocessor, controls operation of the visible-light cameras 114A, 114B toact as a stereo camera simulating human binocular vision and may add atimestamp to each image. The timestamp on each pair of images allowsdisplay of the images together as part of a three-dimensionalprojection. Three-dimensional projections produce an immersive,life-like experience that is desirable in a variety of contexts,including virtual reality (VR) and video gaming.

FIG. 1B is a perspective, cross-sectional view of a right corner 110B ofthe eyewear device 100 of FIG. 1A depicting the right visible-lightcamera 114B of the camera system, and a circuit board. FIG. 1C is a sideview (left) of an example hardware configuration of an eyewear device100 of FIG. 1A, which shows a left visible-light camera 114A of thecamera system. FIG. 1D is a perspective, cross-sectional view of a leftcorner 110A of the eyewear device of FIG. 1C depicting the leftvisible-light camera 114A of the three-dimensional camera, and a circuitboard 140A.

Construction and placement of the left visible-light camera 114A issubstantially similar to the right visible-light camera 114B, except theconnections and coupling are on the left lateral side 170A. As shown inthe example of FIG. 1B, the eyewear device 100 includes the rightvisible-light camera 114B and a circuit board 140B, which may be aflexible printed circuit board (PCB). The right hinge 126B connects theright corner 110B to a right temple 125B of the eyewear device 100.Similarly, the left hinge 126A connects the left corner 110A to the lefttemple 125A of the eyewear device 100. In some examples, components ofthe right visible-light camera 114B, the flexible PCB 140B, or otherelectrical connectors or contacts may be located on the right temple125B or the right hinge 126B.

The right corner 110B includes corner body 190 and a corner cap, withthe corner cap omitted in the cross-section of FIG. 1B. Disposed insidethe right corner 110B are various interconnected circuit boards, such asPCBs or flexible PCBs, that include controller circuits for rightvisible-light camera 114B, microphone(s), low-power wireless circuitry(e.g., for wireless short range network communication via Bluetooth™),high-speed wireless circuitry (e.g., for wireless local area networkcommunication via Wi-Fi).

The right visible-light camera 114B is coupled to or disposed on theflexible PCB 140B and covered by a visible-light camera cover lens,which is aimed through opening(s) formed in the frame 105. For example,the right rim 107B of the frame 105, shown in FIG. 2A, is connected tothe right corner 110B and includes the opening(s) for the visible-lightcamera cover lens. The frame 105 includes a front side configured toface outward and away from the eye of the user. The opening for thevisible-light camera cover lens is formed on and through the front oroutward-facing side of the frame 105. In the example, the rightvisible-light camera 114B has an outward-facing field of view 111B(shown in FIG. 3) with a line of sight or perspective that is correlatedwith the right eye of the user of the eyewear device 100. Thevisible-light camera cover lens can also be adhered to a front side oroutward-facing surface of the right corner 110B in which an opening isformed with an outward-facing angle of coverage, but in a differentoutwardly direction. The coupling can also be indirect via interveningcomponents.

As shown in FIG. 1B, flexible PCB 140B is disposed inside the rightcorner 110B and is coupled to one or more other components housed in theright corner 110B. Although shown as being formed on the circuit boardsof the right corner 110B, the right visible-light camera 114B can beformed on the circuit boards of the left corner 110A, the temples 125A,125B, or the frame 105.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are perspective views, from the rear, of examplehardware configurations of the eyewear device 100, including twodifferent types of image displays. The eyewear device 100 is sized andshaped in a form configured for wearing by a user; the form ofeyeglasses is shown in the example. The eyewear device 100 can takeother forms and may incorporate other types of frameworks; for example,a headgear, a headset, or a helmet.

In the eyeglasses example, eyewear device 100 includes a frame 105including a left rim 107A connected to a right rim 107B via a bridge 106adapted to be supported by a nose of the user. The left and right rims107A, 107B include respective apertures 175A, 175B, which hold arespective optical element 180A, 180B, such as a lens and a displaydevice. As used herein, the term “lens” is meant to include transparentor translucent pieces of glass or plastic having curved or flat surfacesthat cause light to converge/diverge or that cause little or noconvergence or divergence.

Although shown as having two optical elements 180A, 180B, the eyeweardevice 100 can include other arrangements, such as a single opticalelement (or it may not include any optical element 180A, 180B),depending on the application or the intended user of the eyewear device100. As further shown, eyewear device 100 includes a left corner 110Aadjacent the left lateral side 170A of the frame 105 and a right corner110B adjacent the right lateral side 170B of the frame 105. The corners110A, 110B may be integrated into the frame 105 on the respective sides170A, 170B (as illustrated) or implemented as separate componentsattached to the frame 105 on the respective sides 170A, 170B.Alternatively, the corners 110A, 110B may be integrated into temples(not shown) attached to the frame 105.

In one example, the image display of optical assembly 180A, 180Bincludes an integrated image display. As shown in FIG. 2A, each opticalassembly 180A, 180B includes a suitable display matrix 177, such as aliquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED)display, or any other such display. Each optical assembly 180A, 180Balso includes an optical layer or layers 176, which can include lenses,optical coatings, prisms, mirrors, waveguides, optical strips, and otheroptical components in any combination. The optical layers 176A, 176B, .. . 176N (shown as 176A-N in FIG. 2A and herein) can include a prismhaving a suitable size and configuration and including a first surfacefor receiving light from a display matrix and a second surface foremitting light to the eye of the user. The prism of the optical layers176A-N extends over all or at least a portion of the respectiveapertures 175A, 175B formed in the left and right rims 107A, 107B topermit the user to see the second surface of the prism when the eye ofthe user is viewing through the corresponding left and right rims 107A,107B. The first surface of the prism of the optical layers 176A-N facesupwardly from the frame 105 and the display matrix 177 overlies theprism so that photons and light emitted by the display matrix 177impinge the first surface. The prism is sized and shaped so that thelight is refracted within the prism and is directed toward the eye ofthe user by the second surface of the prism of the optical layers176A-N. In this regard, the second surface of the prism of the opticallayers 176A-N can be convex to direct the light toward the center of theeye. The prism can optionally be sized and shaped to magnify the imageprojected by the display matrix 177, and the light travels through theprism so that the image viewed from the second surface is larger in oneor more dimensions than the image emitted from the display matrix 177.

In one example, the optical layers 176A-N may include an LCD layer thatis transparent (keeping the lens open) unless and until a voltage isapplied which makes the layer opaque (closing or blocking the lens). Theimage processor 412 on the eyewear device 100 may execute programming toapply the voltage to the LCD layer in order to produce an active shuttersystem, making the eyewear device 100 suitable for viewing visualcontent when displayed as a three-dimensional projection. Technologiesother than LCD may be used for the active shutter mode, including othertypes of reactive layers that are responsive to a voltage or anothertype of input.

In another example, the image display device of optical assembly 180A,180B includes a projection image display as shown in FIG. 2B. Eachoptical assembly 180A, 180B includes a laser projector 150, which is athree-color laser projector using a scanning mirror or galvanometer.During operation, an optical source such as a laser projector 150 isdisposed in or on one of the temples 125A, 125B of the eyewear device100. Optical assembly 180B in this example includes one or more opticalstrips 155A, 155B, . . . 155N (shown as 155A-N in FIG. 2B) which arespaced apart and across the width of the lens of each optical assembly180A, 180B or across a depth of the lens between the front surface andthe rear surface of the lens.

As the photons projected by the laser projector 150 travel across thelens of each optical assembly 180A, 180B, the photons encounter theoptical strips 155A-N. When a particular photon encounters a particularoptical strip, the photon is either redirected toward the user's eye, orit passes to the next optical strip. A combination of modulation oflaser projector 150, and modulation of optical strips, may controlspecific photons or beams of light. In an example, a processor controlsoptical strips 155A-N by initiating mechanical, acoustic, orelectromagnetic signals. Although shown as having two optical assemblies180A, 180B, the eyewear device 100 can include other arrangements, suchas a single or three optical assemblies, or each optical assembly 180A,180B may have arranged different arrangement depending on theapplication or intended user of the eyewear device 100.

As further shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, eyewear device 100 includes a leftcorner 110A adjacent the left lateral side 170A of the frame 105 and aright corner 110B adjacent the right lateral side 170B of the frame 105.The corners 110A, 110B may be integrated into the frame 105 on therespective lateral sides 170A, 170B (as illustrated) or implemented asseparate components attached to the frame 105 on the respective sides170A, 170B. Alternatively, the corners 110A, 110B may be integrated intotemples 125A, 125B attached to the frame 105.

In another example, the eyewear device 100 shown in FIG. 2B may includetwo projectors, a left projector 150A (not shown) and a right projector150B (shown as projector 150). The left optical assembly 180A mayinclude a left display matrix 177A (not shown) or a left set of opticalstrips 155′A, 155′B, . . . 155′N (155 prime, A through N, not shown)which are configured to interact with light from the left projector150A. Similarly, the right optical assembly 180B may include a rightdisplay matrix 177B (not shown) or a right set of optical strips 155″A,155″B, . . . 155″N (155 double prime, A through N, not shown) which areconfigured to interact with light from the right projector 150B. In thisexample, the eyewear device 100 includes a left display and a rightdisplay.

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic depiction of a three-dimensional scene 306, aleft raw image 302A captured by a left visible-light camera 114A, and aright raw image 302B captured by a right visible-light camera 114B. Theleft field of view 111A may overlap, as shown, with the right field ofview 111B. The overlapping field of view 304 represents that portion ofthe image captured by both cameras 114A, 114B. The term ‘overlapping’when referring to field of view means the matrix of pixels in thegenerated raw images overlap by thirty percent (30%) or more.‘Substantially overlapping’ means the matrix of pixels in the generatedraw images—or in the infrared image of scene—overlap by fifty percent(50%) or more. As described herein, the two raw images 302A, 302B may beprocessed to include a timestamp, which allows the images to bedisplayed together as part of a three-dimensional projection.

For the capture of stereo images, as illustrated in FIG. 3, a pair ofraw red, green, and blue (RGB) images are captured of a real scene 306at a given moment in time—a left raw image 302A captured by the leftcamera 114A and right raw image 302B captured by the right camera 114B.When the pair of raw images 302A, 302B are processed (e.g., by the imageprocessor 412), depth images are generated. The generated depth imagesmay be viewed on an optical assembly 180A, 180B of an eyewear device, onanother display (e.g., the image display 580 on a mobile device 401), oron a screen.

The generated depth images are in the three-dimensional space domain andcan comprise a matrix of vertices on a three-dimensional locationcoordinate system that includes an X axis for horizontal position (e.g.,length), a Y axis for vertical position (e.g., height), and a Z axis fordepth (e.g., distance). Each vertex may include a color attribute (e.g.,a red pixel light value, a green pixel light value, or a blue pixellight value); a position attribute (e.g., an X location coordinate, a Ylocation coordinate, and a Z location coordinate); a texture attribute;a reflectance attribute; or a combination thereof. The texture attributequantifies the perceived texture of the depth image, such as the spatialarrangement of color or intensities in a region of vertices of the depthimage.

In one example, the interactive augmented reality system 400 (FIG. 4)includes the eyewear device 100, which includes a frame 105 and a lefttemple 110A extending from a left lateral side 170A of the frame 105 anda right temple 125B extending from a right lateral side 170B of theframe 105. The eyewear device 100 may further include at least twovisible-light cameras 114A, 114B having overlapping fields of view. Inone example, the eyewear device 100 includes a left visible-light camera114A with a left field of view 111A, as illustrated in FIG. 3. The leftcamera 114A is connected to the frame 105 or the left temple 110A tocapture a left raw image 302A from the left side of scene 306. Theeyewear device 100 further includes a right visible-light camera 114Bwith a right field of view 111B. The right camera 114B is connected tothe frame 105 or the right temple 125B to capture a right raw image 302Bfrom the right side of scene 306.

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of an example interactive augmentedreality system 400 that includes a wearable device (e.g., an eyeweardevice 100), a mobile device 401, and a server system 498 connected viavarious networks 495 such as the Internet. The interactive augmentedreality system 400 includes a low-power wireless connection 425 and ahigh-speed wireless connection 437 between the eyewear device 100 andthe mobile device 401.

As shown in FIG. 4, the eyewear device 100 includes one or morevisible-light cameras 114A, 114B that capture still images, videoimages, or both still and video images, as described herein. The cameras114A, 114B may have a direct memory access (DMA) to high-speed circuitry430 and function as a stereo camera. The cameras 114A, 114B may be usedto capture initial-depth images that may be rendered intothree-dimensional (3D) models that are texture-mapped images of a red,green, and blue (RGB) imaged scene. The device 100 may also include adepth sensor 213, which uses infrared signals to estimate the positionof objects relative to the device 100. The depth sensor 213 in someexamples includes one or more infrared emitter(s) 415 and infraredcamera(s) 410.

The eyewear device 100 further includes two image displays of eachoptical assembly 180A, 180B (one associated with the left side 170A andone associated with the right side 170B). The eyewear device 100 alsoincludes an image display driver 442, an image processor 412, low-powercircuitry 420, and high-speed circuitry 430. The image displays of eachoptical assembly 180A, 180B are for presenting images, including stillimages, video images, or still and video images. The image displaydriver 442 is coupled to the image displays of each optical assembly180A, 180B in order to control the display of images.

The eyewear device 100 additionally includes one or more speakers 440(e.g., one associated with the left side of the eyewear device andanother associated with the right side of the eyewear device). Thespeakers 440 may be incorporated into the frame 105, temples 125, orcorners 110 of the eyewear device 100. The one or more speakers 440 aredriven by audio processor 443 under control of low-power circuitry 420,high-speed circuitry 430, or both. The speakers 440 are for presentingaudio signals including, for example, a beat track. The audio processor443 is coupled to the speakers 440 in order to control the presentationof sound.

The components shown in FIG. 4 for the eyewear device 100 are located onone or more circuit boards, for example a printed circuit board (PCB) orflexible printed circuit (FPC), located in the rims or temples.Alternatively, or additionally, the depicted components can be locatedin the corners, frames, hinges, or bridge of the eyewear device 100.Left and right visible-light cameras 114A, 114B can include digitalcamera elements such as a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS)image sensor, a charge-coupled device, a lens, or any other respectivevisible or light capturing elements that may be used to capture data,including still images or video of scenes with unknown objects.

As shown in FIG. 4, high-speed circuitry 430 includes a high-speedprocessor 432, a memory 434, and high-speed wireless circuitry 436. Inthe example, the image display driver 442 is coupled to the high-speedcircuitry 430 and operated by the high-speed processor 432 in order todrive the left and right image displays of each optical assembly 180A,180B. High-speed processor 432 may be any processor capable of managinghigh-speed communications and operation of any general computing systemneeded for eyewear device 100. High-speed processor 432 includesprocessing resources needed for managing high-speed data transfers onhigh-speed wireless connection 437 to a wireless local area network(WLAN) using high-speed wireless circuitry 436.

In some examples, the high-speed processor 432 executes an operatingsystem such as a LINUX operating system or other such operating systemof the eyewear device 100 and the operating system is stored in memory434 for execution. In addition to any other responsibilities, thehigh-speed processor 432 executes a software architecture for theeyewear device 100 that is used to manage data transfers with high-speedwireless circuitry 436. In some examples, high-speed wireless circuitry436 is configured to implement Institute of Electrical and ElectronicEngineers (IEEE) 802.11 communication standards, also referred to hereinas Wi-Fi. In other examples, other high-speed communications standardsmay be implemented by high-speed wireless circuitry 436.

The low-power circuitry 420 includes a low-power processor 422 andlow-power wireless circuitry 424. The low-power wireless circuitry 424and the high-speed wireless circuitry 436 of the eyewear device 100 caninclude short-range transceivers (Bluetooth™ or Bluetooth Low-Energy(BLE)) and wireless wide, local, or wide-area network transceivers(e.g., cellular or Wi-Fi). Mobile device 401, including the transceiverscommunicating via the low-power wireless connection 425 and thehigh-speed wireless connection 437, may be implemented using details ofthe architecture of the eyewear device 100, as can other elements of thenetwork 495.

Memory 434 includes any storage device capable of storing various dataand applications, including, among other things, camera data generatedby the left and right visible-light cameras 114A, 114B, the infraredcamera(s) 410, the image processor 412, and images generated for displayby the image display driver 442 on the image display of each opticalassembly 180A, 180B. Although the memory 434 is shown as integrated withhigh-speed circuitry 430, the memory 434 in other examples may be anindependent, standalone element of the eyewear device 100. In certainsuch examples, electrical routing lines may provide a connection througha chip that includes the high-speed processor 432 from the imageprocessor 412 or low-power processor 422 to the memory 434. In otherexamples, the high-speed processor 432 may manage addressing of memory434 such that the low-power processor 422 will boot the high-speedprocessor 432 any time that a read or write operation involving memory434 is needed.

As shown in FIG. 4, the high-speed processor 432 of the eyewear device100 can be coupled to the camera system (visible-light cameras 114A,114B), the image display driver 442, the user input device 491, and thememory 434. As shown in FIG. 5, the CPU 540 of the mobile device 401 maybe coupled to a camera system 570, a mobile display driver 582, a userinput layer 591, and a memory 540A.

The server system 498 may be one or more computing devices as part of aservice or network computing system, for example, that include aprocessor, a memory, and network communication interface to communicateover the network 495 with an eyewear device 100 and a mobile device 401.

The output components of the eyewear device 100 include visual elements,such as the left and right image displays associated with each lens oroptical assembly 180A, 180B as described in FIGS. 2A and 2B (e.g., adisplay such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display panel(PDP), a light emitting diode (LED) display, a projector, or awaveguide). The eyewear device 100 may include a user-facing indicator(e.g., an LED, a loudspeaker, or a vibrating actuator), or anoutward-facing signal (e.g., an LED, a loudspeaker). The image displaysof each optical assembly 180A, 180B are driven by the image displaydriver 442. In some example configurations, the output components of theeyewear device 100 further include additional indicators such as audibleelements (e.g., loudspeakers), tactile components (e.g., an actuatorsuch as a vibratory motor to generate haptic feedback), and other signalgenerators. For example, the device 100 may include a user-facing set ofindicators, and an outward-facing set of signals. The user-facing set ofindicators are configured to be seen or otherwise sensed by the user ofthe device 100. For example, the device 100 may include an LED displaypositioned so the user can see it, a one or more speakers positioned togenerate a sound the user can hear, or an actuator to provide hapticfeedback the user can feel. The outward-facing set of signals areconfigured to be seen or otherwise sensed by an observer near the device100. Similarly, the device 100 may include an LED, a loudspeaker, or anactuator that is configured and positioned to be sensed by an observer.

The input components of the eyewear device 100 may include alphanumericinput components (e.g., a touch screen or touchpad configured to receivealphanumeric input, a photo-optical keyboard, or otheralphanumeric-configured elements), pointer-based input components (e.g.,a mouse, a touchpad, a trackball, a joystick, a motion sensor, or otherpointing instruments), tactile input components (e.g., a button switch,a touch screen or touchpad that senses the location, force or locationand force of touches or touch gestures, or other tactile-configuredelements), and audio input components (e.g., a microphone), and thelike. The mobile device 401 and the server system 498 may includealphanumeric, pointer-based, tactile, audio, and other input components.

In some examples, the eyewear device 100 includes a collection ofmotion-sensing components referred to as an inertial measurement unit472. The motion-sensing components may be micro-electro-mechanicalsystems (MEMS) with microscopic moving parts, often small enough to bepart of a microchip. The inertial measurement unit (IMU) 472 in someexample configurations includes an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and amagnetometer. The accelerometer senses the linear acceleration of thedevice 100 (including the acceleration due to gravity) relative to threeorthogonal axes (x, y, z). The gyroscope senses the angular velocity ofthe device 100 about three axes of rotation (pitch, roll, yaw).Together, the accelerometer and gyroscope can provide position,orientation, and motion data about the device relative to six axes (x,y, z, pitch, roll, yaw). The magnetometer, if present, senses theheading of the device 100 relative to magnetic north. The position ofthe device 100 may be determined by location sensors, such as a GPS unit473, one or more transceivers to generate relative position coordinates,altitude sensors or barometers, and other orientation sensors. Suchpositioning system coordinates can also be received over the wirelessconnections 425, 437 from the mobile device 401 via the low-powerwireless circuitry 424 or the high-speed wireless circuitry 436.

The IMU 472 may include or cooperate with a digital motion processor orprogramming that gathers the raw data from the components and compute anumber of useful values about the position, orientation, and motion ofthe device 100. For example, the acceleration data gathered from theaccelerometer can be integrated to obtain the velocity relative to eachaxis (x, y, z); and integrated again to obtain the position of thedevice 100 (in linear coordinates, x, y, and z). The angular velocitydata from the gyroscope can be integrated to obtain the position of thedevice 100 (in spherical coordinates). The programming for computingthese useful values may be stored in memory 434 and executed by thehigh-speed processor 432 of the eyewear device 100.

The eyewear device 100 may optionally include additional peripheralsensors, such as biometric sensors, specialty sensors, or displayelements integrated with eyewear device 100. For example, peripheraldevice elements may include any I/O components including outputcomponents, motion components, position components, or any other suchelements described herein. For example, the biometric sensors mayinclude components to detect expressions (e.g., hand expressions, facialexpressions, vocal expressions, body gestures, or eye tracking), tomeasure bio signals (e.g., blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature,perspiration, or brain waves), or to identify a person (e.g.,identification based on voice, retina, facial characteristics,fingerprints, or electrical bio signals such as electroencephalogramdata), and the like.

The mobile device 401 may be a smartphone, tablet, laptop computer,access point, or any other such device capable of connecting witheyewear device 100 using both a low-power wireless connection 425 and ahigh-speed wireless connection 437. Mobile device 401 is connected toserver system 498 and network 495. The network 495 may include anycombination of wired and wireless connections.

The interactive augmented reality system 400, as shown in FIG. 4,includes a computing device, such as mobile device 401, coupled to aneyewear device 100 over a network. The interactive augmented realitysystem 400 includes a memory for storing instructions and a processorfor executing the instructions. Execution of the instructions of theinteractive augmented reality system 400 by the processor 432 configuresthe eyewear device 100 to cooperate with the mobile device 401. Theinteractive augmented reality system 400 may utilize the memory 434 ofthe eyewear device 100 or the memory elements 540A, 540B, 540C of themobile device 401 (FIG. 5). Also, the interactive augmented realitysystem 400 may utilize the processor elements 432, 422 of the eyeweardevice 100 or the central processing unit (CPU) 540 of the mobile device401 (FIG. 5). In addition, the interactive augmented reality system 400may further utilize the memory and processor elements of the serversystem 498. In this aspect, the memory and processing functions of theinteractive augmented reality system 400 can be shared or distributedacross the eyewear device 100, the mobile device 401, and the serversystem 498.

The memory 434 includes song files 482 and virtual objects 484. The songfiles 482 includes a tempo (e.g., beat track) and, optionally, asequence of notes and note values. A note is a symbol denoting aparticular pitch or other musical sound. The note value includes theduration the note is played, relative to the tempo, and may includeother qualities such as loudness, emphasis, articulation, and phrasingrelative to other notes. The tempo, in some implementations, includes adefault value along with a user interface through which the user mayselect a particular tempo for use during playback of the song. Thevirtual objects 484 include image data for identifying objects orfeatures in images captured by the cameras 114. The objects may bephysical features such as known paintings or physical markers for use inlocalizing the eyewear device 100 within an environment.

The memory 434 additionally includes, for execution by the processor432, a position detection utility 460, a marker registration utility462, a localization utility 464, a virtual object rendering utility 466,a physics engine 468, and a prediction engine 470. The positiondetection utility 460 configures the processor 432 to determine theposition (location and orientation) within an environment, e.g., usingthe localization utility 464. The marker registration utility 462configures the processor 432 to register markers within the environment.The markers may be predefined physical markers having a known locationwithin an environment or assigned by the processor 432 to a particularlocation with respect to the environment within which the eyewear device100 is operating or with respect to the eyewear itself. The localizationutility 464 configures the processor 432 to obtain localization data foruse in determining the position of the eyewear device 100, virtualobjects presented by the eyewear device, or a combination thereof. Thelocation data may be derived from a series of images, an IMU unit 472, aGPS unit 473, or a combination thereof. The virtual object renderingutility 466 configures the processor 432 to render virtual images fordisplay by the image display 180 under control of the image displaydriver 442 and the image processor 412. The physics engine 468configures the processor 432 to apply laws of physics such as gravityand friction to the virtual word, e.g., between virtual game pieces. Theprediction engine 470 configures the processor 432 to predictanticipated movement of an object such as the eyewear device 100 basedon its current heading, input from sensors such as the IMU 472, imagesof the environment, or a combination thereof.

FIG. 5 is a high-level functional block diagram of an example mobiledevice 401. Mobile device 401 includes a flash memory 540A which storesprogramming to be executed by the CPU 540 to perform all or a subset ofthe functions described herein.

The mobile device 401 may include a camera 570 that comprises at leasttwo visible-light cameras (first and second visible-light cameras withoverlapping fields of view) or at least one visible-light camera and adepth sensor with substantially overlapping fields of view. Flash memory540A may further include multiple images or video, which are generatedvia the camera 570.

As shown, the mobile device 401 includes an image display 580, a mobiledisplay driver 582 to control the image display 580, and a displaycontroller 584. In the example of FIG. 5, the image display 580 includesa user input layer 591 (e.g., a touchscreen) that is layered on top ofor otherwise integrated into the screen used by the image display 580.

Examples of touchscreen-type mobile devices that may be used include(but are not limited to) a smart phone, a personal digital assistant(PDA), a tablet computer, a laptop computer, or other portable device.However, the structure and operation of the touchscreen-type devices isprovided by way of example; the subject technology as described hereinis not intended to be limited thereto. For purposes of this discussion,FIG. 5 therefore provides a block diagram illustration of the examplemobile device 401 with a user interface that includes a touchscreeninput layer 591 for receiving input (by touch, multi-touch, or gesture,and the like, by hand, stylus or other tool) and an image display 580for displaying content.

As shown in FIG. 5, the mobile device 401 includes at least one digitaltransceiver (XCVR) 510, shown as WWAN XCVRs, for digital wirelesscommunications via a wide-area wireless mobile communication network.The mobile device 401 also includes additional digital or analogtransceivers, such as short-range transceivers (XCVRs) 520 forshort-range network communication, such as via NFC, VLC, DECT, ZigBee,Bluetooth™, or Wi-Fi. For example, short range XCVRs 520 may take theform of any available two-way wireless local area network (WLAN)transceiver of a type that is compatible with one or more standardprotocols of communication implemented in wireless local area networks,such as one of the Wi-Fi standards under IEEE 802.11.

To generate location coordinates for positioning of the mobile device401, the mobile device 401 can include a global positioning system (GPS)receiver. Alternatively, or additionally the mobile device 401 canutilize either or both the short range XCVRs 520 and WWAN XCVRs 510 forgenerating location coordinates for positioning. For example, cellularnetwork, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth™ based positioning systems can generatevery accurate location coordinates, particularly when used incombination. Such location coordinates can be transmitted to the eyeweardevice over one or more network connections via XCVRs 510, 520.

The transceivers 510, 520 (i.e., the network communication interface)conforms to one or more of the various digital wireless communicationstandards utilized by modern mobile networks. Examples of WWANtransceivers 510 include (but are not limited to) transceiversconfigured to operate in accordance with Code Division Multiple Access(CDMA) and 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) networktechnologies including, for example and without limitation, 3GPP type 2(or 3GPP2) and LTE, at times referred to as “4G.” For example, thetransceivers 510, 520 provide two-way wireless communication ofinformation including digitized audio signals, still image and videosignals, web page information for display as well as web-related inputs,and various types of mobile message communications to/from the mobiledevice 401.

The mobile device 401 further includes a microprocessor that functionsas a central processing unit (CPU); shown as CPU 530 in FIG. 4. Aprocessor is a circuit having elements structured and arranged toperform one or more processing functions, typically various dataprocessing functions. Although discrete logic components could be used,the examples utilize components forming a programmable CPU. Amicroprocessor for example includes one or more integrated circuit (IC)chips incorporating the electronic elements to perform the functions ofthe CPU 540. The CPU 540, for example, may be based on any known oravailable microprocessor architecture, such as a Reduced Instruction SetComputing (RISC) using an ARM architecture, as commonly used today inmobile devices and other portable electronic devices. Of course, otherarrangements of processor circuitry may be used to form the CPU 540 orprocessor hardware in smartphone, laptop computer, and tablet.

The CPU 540 serves as a programmable host controller for the mobiledevice 401 by configuring the mobile device 401 to perform variousoperations, for example, in accordance with instructions or programmingexecutable by CPU 540. For example, such operations may include variousgeneral operations of the mobile device, as well as operations relatedto the programming for applications on the mobile device. Although aprocessor may be configured by use of hardwired logic, typicalprocessors in mobile devices are general processing circuits configuredby execution of programming.

The mobile device 401 includes a memory or storage system, for storingprogramming and data. In the example, the memory system may include aflash memory 540A, a random-access memory (RAM) 540B, and other memorycomponents 540C, as needed. The RAM 540B serves as short-term storagefor instructions and data being handled by the CPU 540, e.g., as aworking data processing memory. The flash memory 540A typically provideslonger-term storage.

Hence, in the example of mobile device 401, the flash memory 540A isused to store programming or instructions for execution by the CPU 540.Depending on the type of device, the mobile device 401 stores and runs amobile operating system through which specific applications areexecuted. Examples of mobile operating systems include Google Android,Apple iOS (for iPhone or iPad devices), Windows Mobile, Amazon Fire OS,RIM BlackBerry OS, or the like.

The processor 432 within the eyewear device 100 constructs a map of theenvironment surrounding the eyewear device 100, determines a location ofthe eyewear device within the mapped environment, and determines arelative position of the eyewear device to one or more objects in themapped environment. In one example, the processor 432 constructs the mapand determines location and position information using a simultaneouslocalization and mapping (SLAM) algorithm applied to data received fromone or more sensors. In the context of augmented reality, a SLAMalgorithm is used to construct and update a map of an environment, whilesimultaneously tracking and updating the location of a device (or auser) within the mapped environment. The mathematical solution can beapproximated using various statistical methods, such as particlefilters, Kalman filters, extended Kalman filters, and covarianceintersection.

Sensor data includes images received from one or both of the cameras114A, 114B, distance(s) received from a laser range finder, positioninformation received from a GPS unit 473, or a combination of two ormore of such sensor data, or from other sensors such as IMU 572providing data useful in determining positional information.

FIG. 6 depicts an example environment 600 along with elements that areuseful for natural feature tracking (NFT; e.g., a tracking applicationusing a SLAM algorithm). A user 602 of the eyewear device 100 is presentin an example physical environment 600 (which, in FIG. 6, is an interiorroom). The processor 432 of the eyewear device 100 determines itsposition with respect to one or more objects 604 within the environment600 using captured images, constructs a map of the environment 600 usinga coordinate system (x, y, z) for the environment 600, and determinesits position within the coordinate system. Additionally, the processor432 determines a head pose (roll, pitch, and yaw) of the eyewear device100 within the environment by using two or more location points (e.g.,three location points 606 a, 606 b, and 606 c) associated with a singleobject 604 a, or by using one or more location points 606 associatedwith two or more objects 604 a, 604 b, 604 c. In one example, theprocessor 432 of the eyewear device 100 positions a virtual object 608(such as the key shown in FIG. 6) within the environment 600 foraugmented reality viewing via image displays 180.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart 700 depicting a method for implementing augmentedreality applications described herein on a wearable device (e.g., aneyewear device). Although the steps are described with reference to theeyewear device 100, as described herein, other implementations of thesteps described, for other types of devices, will be understood by oneof skill in the art from the description herein. Additionally, it iscontemplated that one or more of the steps shown in FIG. 7, and in otherfigures, and described herein may be omitted, performed simultaneouslyor in a series, performed in an order other than illustrated anddescribed, or performed in conjunction with additional steps.

At block 702, the eyewear device 100 captures one or more input imagesof a physical environment 600 near the eyewear device 100. The processor432 may continuously receive input images from the visible lightcamera(s) 114 and store those images in memory 434 for processing.Additionally, the eyewear device 100 may capture information from othersensors (e.g., location information from a GPS unit 473, orientationinformation from an IMU 472, or distance information from a laserdistance sensor).

At block 704, the eyewear device 100 compares objects in the capturedimages to objects stored in a library of images to identify a match. Insome implementations, the processor 432 stores the captured images inmemory 434. A library of images of known objects is stored in a virtualobject database 484.

In one example, the processor 432 is programmed to identify a predefinedparticular object (e.g., a particular picture 604 a hanging in a knownlocation on a wall, a window 604 b in another wall, or an object such asa safe 604 c positioned on the floor). Other sensor data, such as GPSdata, may be used to narrow down the number of known objects for use inthe comparison (e.g., only images associated with a room identifiedthrough GPS coordinates). In another example, the processor 432 isprogrammed to identify predefined general objects (such as one or moretrees within a park).

At block 706, the eyewear device 100 determines its position withrespect to the object(s). The processor 432 may determine its positionwith respect to the objects by comparing and processing distancesbetween two or more points in the captured images (e.g., between two ormore location points on one objects 604 or between a location point 606on each of two objects 604) to known distances between correspondingpoints in the identified objects. Distances between the points of thecaptured images greater than the points of the identified objectsindicates the eyewear device 100 is closer to the identified object thanthe imager that captured the image including the identified object. Onthe other hand, distances between the points of the captured images lessthan the points of the identified objects indicates the eyewear device100 is further from the identified object than the imager that capturedthe image including the identified object. By processing the relativedistances, the processor 432 is able to determine the position withrespect to the objects(s). Alternatively, or additionally, other sensorinformation, such as laser distance sensor information, may be used todetermine position with respect to the object(s).

At block 708, the eyewear device 100 constructs a map of an environment600 surrounding the eyewear device 100 and determines its locationwithin the environment. In one example, where the identified object(block 704) has a predefined coordinate system (x, y, z), the processor432 of the eyewear device 100 constructs the map using that predefinedcoordinate system and determines its position within that coordinatesystem based on the determined positions (block 706) with respect to theidentified objects. In another example, the eyewear device constructs amap using images of permanent or semi-permanent objects 604 within anenvironment (e.g., a tree or a park bench within a park). In accordancewith this example, the eyewear device 100 may define the coordinatesystem z′, y′, z′) used for the environment.

At block 710, the eyewear device 100 determines a head pose (roll,pitch, and yaw) of the eyewear device 100 within the environment. Theprocessor 432 determines head pose by using two or more location points(e.g., three location points 606 a, 606 b, and 606 c) on one or moreobjects 604 or by using one or more location points 606 on two or moreobjects 604. Using conventional image processing algorithms, theprocessor 432 determines roll, pitch, and yaw by comparing the angle andlength of a lines extending between the location points for the capturedimages and the known images.

At block 712, the eyewear device 100 presents visual images to the user.The processor 432 presents images to the user on the image displays 180using the image processor 412 and the image display driver 442. Theprocessor develops and presents the visual images via the image displaysresponsive to the location of the eyewear device 100 within theenvironment 600.

At block 714, the steps described above with reference to blocks 706-712are repeated to update the position of the eyewear device 100 and whatis viewed by the user 602 as the user moves through the environment 600.

Referring again to FIG. 6, the method of implementing augmented realityvirtual guidance applications described herein, in this example,includes virtual markers (e.g., virtual marker 610 a) associated withphysical objects (e.g., painting 604 a) and virtual markers associatedwith virtual objects (e.g., key 608). In one example, an eyewear device100 uses the markers associated with physical objects to determine theposition of the eyewear device 100 within an environment and uses themarkers associated with virtual objects to generate overlay imagespresenting the associated virtual object(s) 608 in the environment 600at the virtual marker position on the display of the eyewear device 100.For example, markers are registered at locations in the environment foruse in tracking and updating the location of users, devices, and objects(virtual and physical) in a mapped environment. Markers are sometimesregistered to a high-contrast physical object, such as the relativelydark object 604 a mounted on a lighter-colored wall, to assist camerasand other sensors with the task of detecting the marker. The markers maybe preassigned or may be assigned by the eyewear device 100 uponentering the environment. Markers are also registered at locations inthe environment for use in presenting virtual images at those locationsin the mapped environment.

Markers can be encoded with or otherwise linked to information. A markermight include position information, a physical code (such as a bar codeor a QR code; either visible to the user or hidden), or a combinationthereof. A set of data associated with the marker is stored in thememory 434 of the eyewear device 100. The set of data includesinformation about the marker 610 a, the marker's position (location andorientation), one or more virtual objects, or a combination thereof. Themarker position may include three-dimensional coordinates for one ormore marker landmarks 616 a, such as the corner of the generallyrectangular marker 610 a shown in FIG. 6. The marker location may beexpressed relative to real-world geographic coordinates, a system ofmarker coordinates, a position of the eyewear device 100, or othercoordinate system. The one or more virtual objects associated with themarker 610 a may include any of a variety of material, including stillimages, video, audio, tactile feedback, executable applications,interactive user interfaces and experiences, and combinations orsequences of such material. Any type of content capable of being storedin a memory and retrieved when the marker 610 a is encountered orassociated with an assigned marker may be classified as a virtual objectin this context. The key 608 shown in FIG. 6, for example, is a virtualobject displayed as a still image, either 2D or 3D, at a markerlocation.

In one example, the marker 610 a may be registered in memory as beinglocated near and associated with a physical object 604 a (e.g., theframed work of art shown in FIG. 6). In another example, the marker maybe registered in memory as being a particular position with respect tothe eyewear device 100.

FIGS. 8A-8E are a flow charts 800, 850, 860, 870, and 890 listing stepsin example methods of augmented reality guidance experiences. Althoughthe steps are described with reference to the eyewear device 100, asdescribed herein, other implementations of the steps described, forother types of wearable mobile devices, will be understood by one ofskill in the art from the description herein. Additionally, it iscontemplated that one or more of the steps shown in FIGS. 8A-E, anddescribed herein, may be omitted, performed simultaneously or in aseries, performed in an order other than illustrated and described, orperformed in conjunction with additional steps.

In FIG. 8A, at block 802, the processor 432 captures images of theenvironment. In an example, the images are sequences of frames of videodata captured by a camera 114A, 114B that is coupled to or part of aneyewear device 100. The camera 114A, 114B, in some implementations,includes one or more high-resolution, digital cameras equipped with aCMOS image sensor capable of capturing high-definition still images andhigh-definition video. Each frame of digital video includes depthinformation for a plurality of pixels in the image. In this aspect, thecamera 114A, 114B serves as a high-definition scanner by capturing adetailed input image of the environment. The camera 114A, 114B, in someimplementations, includes a pair of high-resolution digital cameras114A, 114B coupled to the eyewear device 100 and spaced apart to acquirea left-camera raw image and a right-camera raw image. When combined, theraw images form an input image that includes a matrix ofthree-dimensional pixel locations. The method, at step 802, in someimplementations, includes storing the captured sequences of frames ofvideo data in memory 434 on the eyewear device 100, at leasttemporarily, such that the frames are available for analysis.

At block 804, the processor 432 determines the position (e.g., locationand orientation) and of the eyewear device 100 with respect to otherobjects in the environment. In an example, the processor 432 uses thesequence of frames of video data to localize the position of the eyeweardevice 100 within the environment by applying a SLAM algorithm or othercomputer vision algorithm.

Additionally, the processor 432 determines the field of view of theeyewear device 100. The eyewear device 100 field of view is a view seenthrough the optical elements (assuming see-through displays). Field ofview can be determined based on an angular value associated with theoptical assembly (e.g., a cone of 30 degrees surrounding the direction acentral axis of the optical assembly is pointing). In an example, wherea tablet is a mobile device, the field of view is the image viewed on ascreen that is substantially simultaneously being captured by a visiblelight camera of the tablet.

The eyewear device 100 determines and monitors its location andorientation in three-dimensional space (e.g., two axes X and Y or threeaxes X, Y, and Z) and rotation about one or more axes (e.g., pitch, yaw,and roll). The eyewear device 100 can use a SLAM algorithm, othercomputer vision algorithms, various sensors (e.g., a compass todetermine direction and the IMU 472 to determine orientation), or acombination thereof to determine and monitor location and orientation ofthe eyewear device 100.

At block 806, the processor 432 monitors the current position of theeyewear device 100 as the eyewear device moves through the environment.Movements of the eyewear device 100 change the position and orientationfrom which the camera captures the sequences of frames of video data.The processor 432 (implementing the position detection utility 460 andthe localization utility 464) uses the sequence of frames of video datato update the position as the wearer/user moves through the environmentby, for example, applying a SLAM algorithm, other computer visionalgorithm. In this aspect, the method continually updates the currentlocal position of the eyewear device 100 as the wearer moves relative tothe physical environment, so that the virtual objects presented arepersistently viewable in a logically authentic location relative to thephysical environment.

At block 808, the processor 432 identifies a first marker positionwithin a predefined threshold (limit or range) of the current position.In order to identify the first marker position, in accordance with oneexample, the processor 432 identifies a coordinate range surrounding thecurrent location coordinates of the eyewear device 100 that includes,for example, all coordinates within ten feet of the current locationcoordinates of the eyewear device 100 or all coordinates greater thanone foot and less than 10 feet.

The markers within the environment can be stored in a look-up tableretrieved by the eyewear device 100 from servers 498 upon the processor432 identifying the environment. The processor 432 sends its locationcoordinates to the server 498, e.g., through network 495 and optionallymobile device 401. The processor 432 then receives a look-up tablecorresponding to its location/present environment from the servers 498,e.g., through network 495, and optionally mobile device 401. Theprocessor 432 stores the look-up table in memory, e.g., memory 434.

In one example, the processor 432 identifies the first marker positionfrom a subset of marker positions including all marker positions withinthe environment having coordinates that are within the coordinate rangesurrounding the location coordinates of the eyewear device 100. Theprocessor 432 may identify the first marker position by querying thelook-up table in memory 434 including all markers within theenvironment, identifying all marker positions from the look-up tablewithin the coordinate range, and selecting the marker from theidentified marker positions that is closest to the current position ofthe eyewear device 100 as the first marker position.

In another example, the processor 432 identifies the first markerposition from a subset of marker positions including all markerpositions with the environment having coordinates that are within thecoordinate range surrounding the location coordinates of the eyeweardevice 100 and that are also within a field of view of the eyeweardevice 100. The processor 432 may identify the first marker position byquerying the look-up table in memory 434 including all markers withinthe environment, identifying all marker positions from the look-up tablethat are both within the coordinate range and within the field of viewof the eyewear device 100, and selecting the marker from the identifiedmarker positions that is within the field of view and closest to thecurrent position of the eyewear device 100 as the first marker position.

At block 810, the processor 432 registers the first marker position. Theprocessor 432, using the marker registration utility 462, selects andregisters the marker location with respect to the environmentsurrounding the eyewear device 100. Marker registration includes storingthe marker location in memory, e.g., the memory 434. In one example, themarker location includes a set of three-dimensional marker coordinatesbased on or correlated with depth information obtained from a digitalimage or a frame of digital video. In another example, the markerlocation includes a set of three-dimensional marker coordinates based onor correlated with GPS information or other positional informationobtained by the processor 432.

The marker location, in some implementations, coincides with an originpoint (0, 0, 0) for a marker coordinate system. The marker coordinatesystem may be used as a reference for the marker location as well as avariety of other locations on or near where the marker is placed. In oneexample, the origin point corresponds to the environment and all markerpositions are defined with respect to the environment.

At block 812, the processor 432 generates an overlay image including afirst guidance marker for display at the first marker position. Theprocessor 432 can generate the overlay image using a display systemexecuting the rendering utility 466 and comprising the image processor412, the image display driver 442, and the image display 180. The firstguidance marker includes multiple attributes (e.g., shape, size, color).The attributes may be stored in the marker position look-up table oranother table. In one example, the processor 432 generates the overlayimage responsive to the position of the eyewear device 100 to the firstmarker position, e.g., by adjusting an attribute such as size based onthe distance such that the apparent size of the marker increased as theeyewear device 100 approaches the marker.

At block 814, the processor 432 presents the overlay image. The imageprocessor 412 presents the overlay image including the first guidancemarker on the image display 180A-B using the image display driver 442such that the first guidance marker appears at the first markerposition. For example, using the location and orientation resultsobtained from localization using the captured frames of video data (step802) and the virtual object rendering utility 466, the eyewear device100 executes the step 814 of presenting the overlay image with firstguidance marker on the display in a size, shape, and orientation that iscorrelated with the marker location. The first guidance marker ispresented on the lenses of the eyewear device 100, facilitating a viewof both the first guidance marker and the physical environment. Forexample, the right lens (right optical assembly 180B) includes a rightdisplay matrix 177B configured to interact with light from a rightprojector 150B positioned to project images onto the interior surface ofthe lens 180B. In this aspect, the first guidance marker is presented aspart of an overlay relative to the physical environment, such that thefirst virtual marker is persistently viewable. FIG. 9A depicts anexample eyewear device 100 with an overlay image including the firstguidance marker 902 (having a first color attribute; e.g., green)positioned at a first marker location with an environment 904.

At block 816, the processor 432 identifies a second marker positionwithin a predefined threshold (limit or range) of the current position.The second marker position may be identified essentially as describedabove for the first marker (block 808)—modified to look at the nextclosest marker. In one example, the processor 432 identifies the secondmarker position by querying the look-up table in memory 434 includingall markers within the environment, identifying all marker positionsfrom the look-up table within the coordinate range, and selecting themarker from the identified marker positions that is next closest to thecurrent position of the eyewear device 100 after the first markerposition. In another example, the processor 432 identifies the secondmarker position by querying the look-up table in memory 434 includingall markers within the environment, identifying all marker positionsfrom the look-up table that are both within the coordinate range andwithin the field of view of the eyewear device 100, and selecting themarker from the identified marker positions that is within the field ofview and next closest to the current position of the eyewear device 100after the first marker position.

At blocks 818 and 820, processor 432 registers the second markerposition and generates another overlay image including the second markerposition. The processor 432 registers the second marker position andgenerates the other overlay image using the same procedure as describedabove for the first marker position (block 810 and 812). The generatedother overlay image may include only the second guidance marker or boththe first and second guidance markers.

At block 822, the processor 432 presents the other overlay image. Theimage processor 412 presents the other overlay image including thesecond guidance marker (and optionally the first guidance marker) on theimage display 180A-B using the image display driver 442 such that thesecond guidance marker appears at the second marker position. Theprocessor 432 presents the other overlay image using the same procedureas described above for the overlay image (block 814). FIG. 9A depicts anexample eyewear device 100 with an overlay image including the secondguidance marker 906 (having a second color attribute; e.g., aqua)positioned at a second marker position with the environment 904.

At block 824, the processor 432 identifies other marker position(s)within a predefined threshold (limit or range) of the current position.The other marker position(s) may be identified and registeredessentially as described above for the first and second markers (blocks808, 810, 816, and 818). Overlay images for the registered markerpositions may then be presented and generated as described above withreference to blocks 812, 814, 820, and 822. FIG. 9A depicts an exampleeyewear device 100 with an overlay image including another guidancemarker (a third guidance marker 908; having a third color attribute;e.g., red) positioned at a third marker location with an environment904.

At block 826, the processor 432 suppresses display of guidance markersthat are less than a predefined threshold. For example, if the markerposition of the guidance marker in within one foot of the currentposition of the eyewear device 100, the processor 432 prevents thecorresponding guidance marker from being included during the generationof an overlay image. Thus, guidance markers that have already servedtheir purpose of guiding the wearer of the eyewear device 100 are notdisplayed to avoid cluttering the field of view. FIG. 9B depicts anexample eyewear device 100 with an overlay image including the thirdguidance marker 908 positioned within the environment, but no longerdisplaying the first and second guidance markers 902 and 904 (see FIG.9A).

In FIG. 8B, flow chart 850 depicts an example of steps for creating anddisplaying a dynamic guidance marker. At block 852, processor 432monitors a counter. The counter may be implemented by processor 432.

At block 854, the processor 432 generates successive overlay image(e.g., one for each increment of the counter) including a guidancemarker in a different orientation. The processor 432 can generate thesuccessive overlay images using the display system. In one example, thedynamic guidance marker comprises multiple guidance markers having thesame shape, but different orientations. For each increment of thecounter, a different one of the multiple guidance markers is selectedfor display in an overlay image. By speeding up and slowing down thecounter, the processor 432 is able to increase and decrease the rate ofchange (e.g., rotation of the guidance marker about an axis). FIGS. 9D-Fdepict a dynamic guidance marker (final guidance marker 910) havingdifferent orientations in each frame (e.g., transitioning from guidancemarker 910 a to guidance marker 910 b to guidance marker 910 c).

In FIG. 8C, flow chart 860 depicts an example of steps for changing theappearance of a guidance marker based on distance. At block 862,processor 432 determines a distance between the marker position of aguidance marker and eyewear device 100. For example, the processor 432may calculate the difference between the marker position of a guidancemarker and current position of the eyewear device 100 and use theabsolute value of the difference and the distance. At block 864, theimage processor 412, under control of the processor 432, adjusts visualattribute(s) of the guidance marker responsive to the determineddistance. For example, the image processor 412 may increase the size ofthe guidance marker as the distance decreases and increase the size ofthe guidance marker as the distance increases. FIG. 9B depicts aguidance marker 914 a having a first size and FIG. 9C depicts thatguidance marker 914 b having a second, larger size. Other attributes(such as color) may also be adjusted based on distance. At block 866,the processor 432 generates the other overlay image including theadjusted guidance marker. The overlay image may be generated asdescribed above with reference to blocks 812 and 820.

In FIG. 8D, flow chart 870 depicts another example of steps for changingthe appearance of a guidance marker based on distance. At block 872,processor 432 determines a distance between the marker position of aguidance marker and eyewear device 100. For example, the processor 432may calculate the distance as described above with reference to block862.

At decision block 874, the processor 432 compares the determineddistance (block 872) to a threshold distance, e.g., 4 feet. If thedistance is greater than the threshold distance, processing proceeds atblock 876 with the selection of a first visual image for the guidancemarker (e.g., guidance marker 914 a having a first size in FIG. 9B). Ifthe distance is less than or equal to the threshold distance, processingproceeds at block 878 with the selection of a second visual image forthe guidance marker (e.g., guidance marker 914 b having a second, largersize in FIG. 9C). Images with other attribute differences (such ascolor) may also be selected based on distance.

At block 880, the processor 432 generates the other overlay imageincluding the selected guidance marker. The overlay image may begenerated as described above with reference to blocks 812 and 820.

In FIG. 8E, flow chart 890 depicts an example for adjusting a guidancemarker based on characteristics of the environment. At block 892,processor 432 senses characteristics of the environment (e.g., hallwaywidth). Processor 432 can sense characteristics by applying a CValgorithm to the images captured by the camera (block 802). At block894, processor 432 adjusts visual attribute(s) of a guidance markerresponsive to sensed characteristic. For example, the size of theguidance marker may be adjusted to fill the width of a hallway (see FIG.9C). The processor 432 can adjust the visual attribute(s) via the imageprocessor 412 executing the rendering utility 466.

FIGS. 9A-F illustrate a guided augmented reality experience in which auser of an eyewear device 100 is guided through an environment 904 to adestination (e.g., a shredder 920). FIG. 9A depicts an overlay imagepresented on a display 180 of an eyewear device 100 including a firstguidance marker 902, a second guidance marker 906, and a third guidancemarker 908 located at marker positions within an environment (e.g., anoffice or a museum). The guidance markers are shaped to guide the userin a guidance direction (straight ahead in the illustrated example).FIG. 9B depicts an overlay image in which the third guidance marker 908,a fourth guidance marker 912, and a fifth guidance marker 914 areincluded in an overlay (and the first and second guidance markers 902and 904 are no longer visible) as the user of the eyewear device 100moves through the environment 904.

FIGS. 9B and 9C illustrate an example where a guidance markercharacteristic (size in the illustrated example) changes based on thedistance between the eyewear device 100 and the marker position of theguidance marker. As the eyewear device 100 approaches a marker position,the corresponding guidance marker transitions from a relatively smallguidance marker 914 a to a relatively large guidance marker 914 b.

FIGS. 9D-9F illustrate additional guidance markers 916 and 918 and adynamic guidance marker 910 that continuously transition (e.g., rotates)when within a field of view of the eyewear device 100. In theillustrated embodiment, the dynamic guidance marker 910 is a finalguidance maker identifying a feature/position in the physical world (inthis case a shredder box 920).

Any of the functionality described herein for the eyewear device 100,the mobile device 401, and the server system 498 can be embodied in oneor more computer software applications or sets of programminginstructions, as described herein. According to some examples,“function,” “functions,” “application,” “applications,” “instruction,”“instructions,” or “programming” are program(s) that execute functionsdefined in the programs. Various programming languages can be employedto develop one or more of the applications, structured in a variety ofmanners, such as object-oriented programming languages (e.g.,Objective-C, Java, or C++) or procedural programming languages (e.g., Cor assembly language). In a specific example, a third-party application(e.g., an application developed using the ANDROID™ or IOS™ softwaredevelopment kit (SDK) by an entity other than the vendor of theparticular platform) may include mobile software running on a mobileoperating system such as IOS™, ANDROID™, WINDOWS® Phone, or anothermobile operating systems. In this example, the third-party applicationcan invoke API calls provided by the operating system to facilitatefunctionality described herein.

Hence, a machine-readable medium may take many forms of tangible storagemedium. Non-volatile storage media include, for example, optical ormagnetic disks, such as any of the storage devices in any computerdevices or the like, such as may be used to implement the client device,media gateway, transcoder, etc. shown in the drawings. Volatile storagemedia include dynamic memory, such as main memory of such a computerplatform. Tangible transmission media include coaxial cables; copperwire and fiber optics, including the wires that comprise a bus within acomputer system. Carrier-wave transmission media may take the form ofelectric or electromagnetic signals, or acoustic or light waves such asthose generated during radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) datacommunications. Common forms of computer-readable media thereforeinclude for example: a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetictape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, DVD or DVD-ROM, any otheroptical medium, punch cards paper tape, any other physical storagemedium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM and EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM,any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave transporting data orinstructions, cables or links transporting such a carrier wave, or anyother medium from which a computer may read programming code or data.Many of these forms of computer readable media may be involved incarrying one or more sequences of one or more instructions to aprocessor for execution.

Except as stated immediately above, nothing that has been stated orillustrated is intended or should be interpreted to cause a dedicationof any component, step, feature, object, benefit, advantage, orequivalent to the public, regardless of whether it is or is not recitedin the claims.

It will be understood that the terms and expressions used herein havethe ordinary meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressions withrespect to their corresponding respective areas of inquiry and studyexcept where specific meanings have otherwise been set forth herein.Relational terms such as first and second and the like may be usedsolely to distinguish one entity or action from another withoutnecessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or orderbetween such entities or actions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,”“includes,” “including,” or any other variation thereof, are intended tocover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article,or apparatus that comprises or includes a list of elements or steps doesnot include only those elements or steps but may include other elementsor steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method,article, or apparatus. An element preceded by “a” or “an” does not,without further constraints, preclude the existence of additionalidentical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus thatcomprises the element.

Unless otherwise stated, any and all measurements, values, ratings,positions, magnitudes, sizes, and other specifications that are setforth in this specification, including in the claims that follow, areapproximate, not exact. Such amounts are intended to have a reasonablerange that is consistent with the functions to which they relate andwith what is customary in the art to which they pertain. For example,unless expressly stated otherwise, a parameter value or the like mayvary by as much as plus or minus ten percent from the stated amount orrange.

In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen thatvarious features are grouped together in various examples for thepurpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is notto be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed examplesrequire more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather,as the following claims reflect, the subject matter to be protected liesin less than all features of any single disclosed example. Thus, thefollowing claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description,with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subjectmatter.

While the foregoing has described what are considered to be the bestmode and other examples, it is understood that various modifications maybe made therein and that the subject matter disclosed herein may beimplemented in various forms and examples, and that they may be appliedin numerous applications, only some of which have been described herein.It is intended by the following claims to claim any and allmodifications and variations that fall within the true scope of thepresent concepts.

What is claimed is:
 1. An augmented reality guidance system for guidinga user through an environment, the system comprising: a positiondetection system; a display system; an eyewear device comprising theposition detection system, the display system, a processor, and amemory; and programming in the memory, wherein execution of theprogramming by the processor configures the eyewear device to performfunctions, including functions to: monitor, with the position detectionsystem, a current position of the eyewear device within the environment;identify a first virtual marker position within the environment within apredefined threshold of the current position, the first virtual markerposition defined with respect to the environment and associated with afirst guidance virtual marker that guides the user through theenvironment; register, with the position detection system, the firstvirtual marker position with respect to the environment; generate, withthe display system responsive to the current position of the eyeweardevice, a first overlay image including the first guidance virtualmarker for display at the first virtual marker position; present, by thedisplay system, the first overlay image; identify a second virtualmarker position within the environment within the predefined thresholdof the current position, the second virtual marker position defined withrespect to the environment and associated with a second guidance virtualmarker that guides the user through the environment; register, with theposition detection system, the second virtual marker position withrespect to the environment; generate, with the display system responsiveto the current position of the eyewear device, a second overlay imageincluding the second guidance virtual marker for display at the secondvirtual marker position; and present, by the display system, the secondoverlay image.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the second guidancevirtual marker is a final destination virtual marker and the secondvirtual marker position is associated with a physical destination in theenvironment.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the final destinationvirtual marker is a dynamic image and wherein the function to generatethe second overlay image includes functions to: monitor a counter;generate, with the display system responsive to the counter and thecurrent position of the eyewear device, successive overlay imagesincluding the second guidance virtual marker for display at the secondvirtual marker position, the second guidance virtual marker having adifferent orientation in adjacent images of the successive overlayimages.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the second overlay imagefurther includes the first guidance virtual marker for display at thefirst virtual marker position along with the second virtual markerposition.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the second guidance virtualmarker has a plurality of visual attributes and wherein the function togenerate the second overlay image includes functions to: determine adistance between the second virtual marker position and the currentposition of the eyewear device; adjust at least one of the plurality ofvisual attributes responsive to the determined distance; and generate,with the display system responsive to the current position of theeyewear device, the second overlay image including the second guidancevirtual marker as adjusted responsive to the determined distance.
 6. Thesystem of claim 5, wherein the at least one attribute includes size ofthe second guidance virtual marker.
 7. The system of claim 4, whereinthe second guidance virtual marker is associated with a first visualimage and with a second visual image and wherein the function togenerate the second overlay image includes functions to: determine adistance between the second virtual marker position and the currentposition of the eyewear device; select the first visual image if thedetermined distance is less than a first predefined distance and greaterthan a second predefined distance; select the second visual image if thedetermined distance is less than the second predefined distance; andgenerate, with the display system responsive to the current position ofthe eyewear device, the second overlay image including the selectedfirst or second visual image for the second guidance virtual marker. 8.The system of claim 7, wherein execution of the programming by theprocessor further configures the eyewear device to perform additionalfunctions, including functions to: identify a third virtual markerposition within the environment within the predefined threshold of thecurrent position, the third virtual marker position defined with respectto the environment and associated with a third guidance virtual markerthat guides the user through the environment; and register, with theposition detection system, the third virtual marker position withrespect to the environment; wherein the function to generate the secondoverlay image includes a function to generate, with the display systemresponsive to the current position of the eyewear device, the secondoverlay image including the third guidance virtual marker for display atthe third virtual marker position along with the first and the secondguidance virtual markers.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the functionto generate the second overlay image includes a function to: identifywhen the first virtual marker position is within a third predefineddistance that is less than the second predefined distance; and whereinthe function to generate the second overlay image includes a function togenerate, with the display system responsive to the current position ofthe eyewear device, the second overlay image including the secondguidance virtual marker for display at the second virtual markerposition and the third guidance virtual marker for display at the thirdvirtual marker position while suppressing the first guidance virtualmarker.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the first guidance virtualmarker includes a plurality of visual attributes and wherein executionof the programming by the processor further configures the eyeweardevice to perform additional functions, including functions to: sensecharacteristics of the environment adjacent the first virtual markerposition; and adjust at least one of the plurality of visual attributesresponsive to the sensed characteristics; wherein the function togenerate the second overlay image includes a function to generate, withthe display system responsive to the current position of the eyeweardevice, the second overlay image including the first guidance virtualmarker as adjusted responsive to the sensed characteristics.
 11. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the display system comprises: a see-throughdisplay supported by the eyewear device to present the first and thesecond guidance virtual markers.
 12. An augmented reality guidancemethod for guiding a user through an environment using an eyewear devicehaving a position detection system and a display system, the methodcomprising: monitoring, with the position detection system, a currentposition of the eyewear device within the environment; identifying afirst virtual marker position within the environment within a predefinedthreshold of the current position, the first virtual marker positiondefined with respect to the environment and associated with a firstguidance virtual marker that guides the user through the environment;registering, with the position detection system, the first virtualmarker position with respect to the environment; generating, with thedisplay system responsive to the current position of the eyewear device,a first overlay image including the first guidance virtual marker fordisplay at the first virtual marker position; presenting, by the displaysystem, the first overlay image; identifying a second virtual markerposition within the environment within the predefined threshold of thecurrent position, the second virtual marker position defined withrespect to the environment and associated with a second guidance virtualmarker that guides the user through the environment; registering, withthe position detection system, the second virtual marker position withrespect to the environment; generating, with the display systemresponsive to the current position of the eyewear device, a secondoverlay image including the second guidance virtual marker for displayat the second virtual marker position; and presenting, by the displaysystem, the second overlay image.
 13. The method of claim 12, whereinthe second guidance virtual marker is a final destination virtualmarker, the second virtual marker position is associated with a physicaldestination in the environment, and the final destination virtual markeris a dynamic image, and wherein the generating the second overlay imageincludes: monitoring a counter; generating, with the display systemresponsive to the counter and the current position of the eyeweardevice, successive overlay images including the second guidance virtualmarker for display at the second virtual marker position, the secondguidance virtual marker having a different orientation in adjacentimages of the successive overlay images.
 14. The method of claim 12,wherein the second overlay image further includes the first guidancevirtual marker for display at the first virtual marker position alongwith the second virtual marker position, the second guidance virtualmarker has a plurality of visual attributes, and generating the secondoverlay image includes: determining a distance between the secondvirtual marker position and the current position of the eyewear device;adjusting at least one of the plurality of visual attributes responsiveto the determined distance; and generating, with the display systemresponsive to the current position of the eyewear device, the secondoverlay image including the second guidance virtual marker as adjustedresponsive to the determined distance.
 15. The method of claim 12,wherein the second overlay image further includes the first guidancevirtual marker for display at the first virtual marker position alongwith the second virtual marker position, the second guidance virtualmarker is associated with a first visual image and with a second visualimage, and the generating the second overlay image includes: determininga distance between the second virtual marker position and the currentposition of the eyewear device; selecting the first visual image if thedetermined distance is less than a first predefined distance and greaterthan a second predefined distance; selecting the second visual image ifthe determined distance is less than the second predefined distance; andgenerating, with the display system responsive to the current positionof the eyewear device, the second overlay image including the selectedfirst or second visual image for the second guidance virtual marker. 16.The method of claim 15, wherein the second overlay image furtherincludes the first guidance virtual marker for display at the firstvirtual marker position along with the second virtual marker positionand wherein the method further comprises: identifying a third virtualmarker position within the environment within the predefined thresholdof the current position, the third virtual marker position defined withrespect to the environment and associated with a third guidance virtualmarker that guides the user through the environment; and registering,with the position detection system, the third virtual marker positionwith respect to the environment; wherein generating the second overlayimage includes generating, with the display system responsive to thecurrent position of the eyewear device, the second overlay imageincluding the third guidance virtual marker for display at the thirdvirtual marker position along with the first and the second guidancevirtual markers.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein generating thesecond overlay image includes: identifying when the first virtual markerposition is within a third predefined distance that is less than thesecond predefined distance; wherein the generating the second overlayimage includes generating, with the display system responsive to thecurrent position of the eyewear device, the second overlay imageincluding the second guidance virtual marker for display at the secondvirtual marker position and the third guidance virtual marker fordisplay at the third virtual marker position while suppressing the firstguidance virtual marker.
 18. The method of claim 12, wherein the firstguidance virtual marker includes a plurality of visual attributes andwherein the method further comprises: sensing characteristics of theenvironment adjacent the first virtual marker position; and adjusting atleast one of the plurality of visual attributes responsive to the sensedcharacteristics; wherein the generating the second overlay imageincludes generating, with the display system responsive to the currentposition of the eyewear device, the second overlay image including thefirst guidance virtual marker as adjusted responsive to the sensedcharacteristics.
 19. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storingprogram code for guiding a user through an environment when executed byan eyewear device having a position detection system and a displaysystem, wherein the program code, when executed, is operative to causean electronic processor to perform the steps of: monitoring, with theposition detection system, a current position of the eyewear devicewithin the environment; identifying a first virtual marker positionwithin the environment within a predefined threshold of the currentposition, the first virtual marker position defined with respect to theenvironment and associated with a first guidance virtual marker thatguides the user through the environment; registering, with the positiondetection system, the first virtual marker position with respect to theenvironment; generating, with the display system responsive to thecurrent position of the eyewear device, a first overlay image includingthe first guidance virtual marker for display at the first virtualmarker position; presenting, by the display system, the first overlayimage; identifying a second virtual marker position within theenvironment within the predefined threshold of the current position, thesecond virtual marker position defined with respect to the environmentand associated with a second guidance virtual marker that guides theuser through the environment; registering, with the position detectionsystem, the second virtual marker position with respect to theenvironment; generating, with the display system responsive to thecurrent position of the eyewear device, a second overlay image includingthe second guidance virtual marker for display at the second virtualmarker position; and presenting, by the display system, the secondoverlay image.
 20. The non-transitory computer-readable medium storingthe program code of claim 19, wherein the first guidance virtual markerhas a plurality of visual attributes and wherein the program code, whenexecuted, is operative to cause an electronic processor to perform thefurther steps of: sensing characteristics of the environment adjacentthe first virtual marker position; and adjusting at least one of theplurality of visual attributes responsive to the sensed characteristics;wherein the generating the second overlay image includes generating,with the display system responsive to the current position of theeyewear device, the second overlay image including the first guidancevirtual marker as adjusted responsive to the sensed characteristics.